Overview
- An FT article, citing a single anonymous source, says Christine Lagarde is considering leaving the ECB before her term ends in October 2027 and ahead of France’s April 2027 presidential vote.
- An ECB spokesperson said Lagarde is totally focused on her mission and has made no decision regarding the end of her mandate.
- The reported rationale is to enable Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to influence the choice of her successor rather than a potential eurosceptic French government.
- Speculation intensified after Banque de France governor François Villeroy de Galhau announced he will step down in June 2026, creating another senior appointment for Macron.
- Media coverage highlights a possible shortlist that includes Pablo Hernández de Cos, Klaas Knot, Isabel Schnabel and Joachim Nagel, and notes that governments could accelerate the usual selection timetable.